State Budget Update – Legislature Supports COLA & #bFair2DirectCare

The Assembly and Senate have included funds to support the human services cost of living adjustment in their 2019-2020 State Budget proposals. Both houses approved their one-house budgets yesterday and in addition to funding a 2.9% cost of living adjustment (COLA), the Assembly and Senate have added funds to support the #bFair2DirectCare campaign living wage funding.

As negotiations between the Governor and the Legislature continue, it is vitally important that we voice our support for this important issue.

Please take a moment to call or email the Governor, your Assemblymember, and your Senator for higher wages for DSPs:

Governor Cuomo:
· Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a [DSP, parent, etc.] from [Town]

· I am calling to urge you to support funding for bFair2DirectCare, that is included in the New York Senate and New York State Assembly Budgets, and a 2.9% COLA to ensure direct care workers, the individuals who support New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, earn a living wage.

Assemblymember or Senator:

· Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a [DSP, parent, etc.] from [Town]

· I am calling to urge you to support funding for bFair2DirectCare, that is included in the New York Senate and New York State Assembly Budgets, and a 2.9% COLA to ensure direct care workers, the individuals who support New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, earn a living wage.